A disabled husband and his able-bodied wife have opened up about how their relationship works, with a focus on how they get intimate.
Shane Burcaw, 32, and his wife Hannah, 28, have dedicated themselves to sharing their extraordinary journey on their popular YouTube channel, aptly named "Squirmy and Grubs."
Shane lives with spinal muscular atrophy and has been using a wheelchair since he was just two years old.
Their love story began when Hannah reached out to Shane via email after learning about his inspiring journey in a documentary. Before Hannah, Shane's parents were his primary caregivers, but once he and Hannah got serious, she gladly took on the role.
Their YouTube videos serve as an educational platform for interabled dating, helping dispel stereotypes and misconceptions about disability and intimacy.
In one of their videos titled "Intimacy & Disability - How We Make It Work," Hannah passionately spoke against the harmful stereotype that disabled individuals are not sexual beings.
Shane emphasized that they often receive questions that highlight the misinformation and stigma surrounding disability and intimacy. He clarified that when they talk about "intimacy," they are indeed referring to "sex" and "sexual acts."
Respecting their privacy, Shane and Hannah kindly asked their subscribers not to pry too much into the specifics of their sex life, despite the curiosity they receive.
Shane and his wife Hannah are on a mission to unravel the stigma around interabled relationships. Credit: MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle / Getty
One of the concerns they addressed in their video was how to ensure Shane's safety during intimate moments, given his disability.
Hannah admitted to initially fearing that she might accidentally hurt her husband due to his smaller stature and wheelchair use. However, she shared that they communicated openly about their worries, ensuring that each step was taken with care and consideration.
"We find ways that work for us," Hannah expressed, acknowledging that their intimacy might not always conform to societal expectations but is deeply meaningful and fulfilling for them as a couple.
Shane playfully teased Hannah about a past incident that occurred during the early days of their relationship. While they were enjoying intimacy together, Hannah's knee accidentally "smushed" Shane's arm, causing him to scream in pain, fearing his elbow had broken.
Thankfully, it turned out to be a minor injury but Shane experienced pain for the following few days and the ordeal served as a reminder of the importance of communication and understanding in their relationship.
Shane and Hannah have recently celebrated their seventh anniversary together and it's clear that they are very much in love.
Their openness about their journey as an interabled couple has inspired countless people and continues to break down barriers surrounding disability and relationships.
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